Re-Writing History in Assia Djebar’s Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade

Abstract

This study introduces a postcolonial feminist analysis of Assia Djebar's Fantasia: An Algerian Cavalcade focusing on portraying Algerian women's experiences during and post-French colonization. It explores the intertwining of gender and colonialism and how they collectively shape these women's lives. Central to this analysis is the role women played in resisting colonial oppression, examining their navigation and challenge of patriarchal structures within their societies under colonial rule. This research highlights the strategies Algerian women employ to assert their agency and preserve their cultural identity amidst the oppressive forces of colonization. Furthermore, the paper delves into the complexities of identity formation within a postcolonial context, examining the impact of colonialism on women's bodies and psyches. The study also critiques the subversion of traditional narrative structures in Djebar's autobiography, emphasizing the incorporation of alternative voices and perspectives that highlight the often marginalized experiences of Algerian women. Djebar's primary goal is to give voice and visibility to women's experiences, which have been largely overlooked in texts that explore the relationship between colonized people and their history. We try to uncover the intersection of gender and colonialism, presenting a nuanced view that embraces perspectives typically marginalized or overlooked.